Finding a good 4K TV to pair with a PS5 or an Xbox Series X can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. All you need to understand is how much graphical power these consoles have and which TV will make the most out of what they can do.
Living room with Microsoft Xbox Series X (L) and Sony PlayStation 5 home video game consoles alongside a television and soundbar, taken on November 3, 2020.
GamesRadar says that while even an old 1080p LCD monitor might still work fine with these consoles, a truly next-gen gaming experience starts at 4K with all the bells and whistles. HDR, Dolby, sky-high refresh rates, and barely-there response times. But we're not going all technical on you, as we're going to explain these features one by one to make your purchase easier.
PS5 And Xbox Series X Resolution/Refresh Rate
We're not going to talk about how the PlayStation 5 and the Series X both have powerful graphics capabilities. Everybody knows that already. But what can these consoles really do in terms of display?
For one, the PS5 is capable of rendering in native 4K resolution, according to PlayStation.com, via its HDMI 2.1 connector. The maximum refresh rate for 4K is 120Hz, meaning any game not locked at 60 FPS will feel extremely smooth as long as it reaches beyond 60. Aside from that, the console is also capable of 8K, but at a limited refresh rate of 60Hz.
As for the Xbox Series X, it can also run games at native 4K 120Hz and upscale images to 8K, writes CNET. And since it also features HDMI 2.1, its display output is similar to that of the PS5 pound-for-pound.
What About HDR?
As for HDR (High Dynamic Range), both consoles support the feature. But the PS5 supports HDR10, and the Series X has Dolby Vision, which you can turn on in a compatible TV's Settings menu and on the consoles themselves.
Read also: PS5 Overheating Warning Signs And How To Deal With Them The Right Way
Best 4K TVs For True Next-Gen Gaming
Now that we've established what you should look for in your next 4K gaming TV, here are some great ones to get you started.
LG OLEDCX Series (Best high-end 4K gaming TV): If you're a gamer that doesn't believe in compromises, go for this one. Sizes include 48, 55, 65, and 77 inches, and all models support Dolby Vision and HDR10. Aside from that, the series comes with HDMI 2.1 support (for resolutions as high as 8K), an excellent OLED panel, and 120Hz refresh rates.
This 4K TV is basically perfect for both current-gen gaming consoles. Just ready your wallet because this series is expensive.
Samsung QN90A (Best non-OLED 4K TV): OLED is good. But if you're worried about burn-in, then maybe you don't need an OLED display that much. This is where the QN90A series from Samsung comes into play. It features QLED display technology and has built-in Alexa (for whatever you might need that for).
CNET recommends it for its tiny 10ms input lag at 4K HDR, 120Hz refresh rate, and massive sizes up to 85 inches if you're up for it.
Philips 48OLED806 (Best OLED 4K TV that's not too big): Do you think that 4K gaming TVs these days are too darn big? Then this one might be the best choice for you. You can go as small as 48 inches, but you'll likely never get a better picture at that screen size anywhere, writes WhatHiFi.
They recommend this TV for its HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG support, as well as its variable refresh rate. The only bad thing about it is the not-so-amazing 14ms input lag, but the difference is negligible compared to other competing TVs in the market.
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Story posted on GameNGuide
Written by RJ Pierce